So I have a confession to make. Much in the same way that many doctors fail to look after their own health while telling everyone else what to do (a consultant friend once lectured a patient with throat cancer for smelling of cigarettes. “No, Doctor, that’s you,” he replied), I haven’t been practising what I preach.

Yes, ladies, I am guilty of hair crimes. Every other day I use straightening irons and every other day I fail to use a heat protection spray first. I got away with it for years, give or take a lecture whenever I found myself in the hairdresser’s chair – and the occasional heavy cropping when the ends got just too frayed. But this winter’s chill wind and my recent decision to take up swimming have turned my hair into the straw that broke the camel’s back.

While I know that prevention is better than cure – I fully intend to get to grips with using protection and promise to report back once I’ve found formulas I like – it just feels like one step too many when I’m trying to get myself out of the house each morning. What can I say?

I like my sleep and if I could get away with doing my blow dry in transit, I probably would. In the meantime, the only course of action is repair, so I’ve been throwing as many hydrating formulas at my head as is humanly possible.

Find the best products and give the best for your hair [PH]

First up, I’d like to introduce you to Wella SP Hydrate Masque (£16.20; wella.com). It’s simply a miracle worker and if I were on a desert island, a lifetime’s supply of this pot of wonder would be my luxury item. It really does have a profound effect on straggly ends, leaving locks noticeably softer after just one application.

If your hair has become fragile and dull from over styling and under protecting, Matrix Fiberstrong Mask (£10.95; 0845 601 0122) offers the sort of boost that will leave it feeling supple again.

Looking for something very powerful? Pureology Hydrate Condition (£18.85; 0800 085 4956) is heavy-duty stuff and takes a lot more rinsing than I can ever be bothered with. But if you make sure you’ve banished every last molecule before you towel dry, it really does create a fabulous sheen. The only thing I’m not sure about is the scent, which lingers longer than I’d like.

Too rich for my fine hair, Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment (£23.50; 0870 034 2380) uses quinoa extract, which is high in amino acids, to penetrate and adhere to the hair shaft, fortifying and rehydrating – ideal if you have parched locks to deal with.

Do miracle with your locks by using these hair treatments [PH]

As for Sebastian Hydre Deep Moisturising Treatment (£10; sebastianprofessional.com), it’s known as “Deep Drench” in the States, which is a much better name and spells out exactly what you can expect. Squeeze out excess moisture after shampooing, then baste this on as a hair mask. Leave it for up to five minutes and its impressive moisturising properties will leave even colour-treated frizz looking luscious.

If you want to skip the final rinse entirely, Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Leave-In Conditioner (£5.99; 0845 070 8090) is a lightweight, leave-in gel-crème that uses argan oil to repair and nourish.

Despite its supermarket price tag, Phil Smith Be Gorgeous SOS Rescue Damage-Protection Shampoo (£3.99; 0800 636262) has star quality. It’s a strengthening formula that works itself into a rich lather and, for the chronically lazy, also comes with heat protection already in the mix. Three cheers for multi- tasking marvels.

Finally, if you’re trying to save time at the styling stage, a pre-treatment like Dr Hauschka Neem Hair Oil (£24; 01386 791002), smoothed through the lengths before bed, will leave your hair like Rapunzel’s by morning. Now that’s making the most of your beauty sleep.